We all know that Cebu tourist spots have becoming the most sought-after & favorite destination in the Philippines for both local and foreign travelers. From beaches to falls and city to mountains, Cebu always makes us wowed with it’s phenomenal attractions & landmarks.
WHAT TO EXPECT in CEBU CITY?
From its well-known and rowdiest Sinulog Festival, Cebu offers not one but numbers of renowned festivals throughout the year. Be amazed to join their Kadaugan Mactan, Pintos, Kabkaban & Tag-Anito Festival every December to January.
Of course, when there’s a festival there’s also food. Be then prepared to enjoy and don’t miss out Cebu City’s Lechon – a pork dish with mix herbs and spices skewered in a bamboo pole then roasted over hot coals. This is the best and most in-demand cuisine in Cebu apart from its remarkable seafoods and rice cakes.
Mouth Watering Lechon. Yum!
From festivities to food, we now go to the tourist spots in Cebu. Since the very beginning, foreign nationals are fascinated with the beauty of the city. With its white sand beaches, turquoise waterfalls and top attractions, no wonder Cebu is a must place to visit.
Honestly, my first time in Cebu is a blast. I thought it’s like Manila where high-rise buildings and commercial establishments occupied the city, but I was wrong. Seeing Cebu from a window plane, is such an incredible combination of rolling hills, tropical islands and modern city buildings.
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HOW TO GO in CEBU CITY?
1. BY AIRPLANE – (Manila Airport to Mactan Airport, Cebu)
- Best Month to Travel: December to January (Festival Season) & April to May (Summer)
- Travel Time: 1 to 2 Hours
- Where to Buy Ticket: Online or at the Airport, you can buy your ticket from our Travel Promos to save sum of your money.
- Average Price Range: PHP 899 to 12,000
We encourage you to book your flight 57 days before your planned travel date as the closer you book to the departure date, the more expensive your flight will be.
Some Airlines like Cebu Pacific, AirAsia and PAL offer discounted flight deal from time to time. If you are lucky, you could travel for only PHP 1 to 99.
2. BY FERRY – (Manila North Harbor Pier 4 to Cebu Port Pier 1)
- Where to Buy Ticket: Online (just search on google “Manila to Cebu Ferry”) or buy your ticket at the Port.
- Travel Time: 22 Hours (Good luck on a pretty long journey!)
- Average Price Range: PHP 1000 to 6000
Below are the ferry classes that you could choose from:
| Super Value Class cost = PHP 1,054 |
| Tourist Class cost = PHP 1,200 |
Cabin Class cost = PHP 1,800 |
| Suite-room Class cost = PHP 6,000 |
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Manila Pier 4 is near at Lakandula Intersection, Manila (30 Minutes away from NAIA Airport). If you will come from Quezon City or Makati, we advise you to use the google map to be sure on the direction.
On the other hand, Cebu Pier 1 is situated at Legazpi Extension Cebu City (25 Minutes away from Mactan Airport)
I never tried to ride a boat from Manila to Cebu but based on research, 2GO Travel is the safest ferry that we could take.
Personally, we advise you to take the plane if you have a tight schedule but if you have more time then a ferry is also a good option for new experience & adventure.
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WHERE to STAY in CEBU CITY?
Room to stay in Cebu can never be a problem as the city offers cheap to luxurious hotels or even houses for rent. We have listed 3 categories of lodge/ accommodations (based on Budget) that we know is helpful in deciding. We also like to invite you to check out our Travel Promo > Book Hotel with Agoda to get 25% discount on any hotels/inns:
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Budget Hotels/Inns:
| – RedDoorz – Food District Hostel Cebu Central – Mactan Cebu Waiting Lounge – Margery’s Foyer Non Aircon Room – Residenz Guest House – Batiancilas Native Apartelle |
| – Oyo 569 Alt Complex – Seaside Guest House – Mactan District Budgetel – Stay N Save B&B – Caza Cebu 3 – RMS Travellers Inn |
*Average Price Range: PHP 226 ($4.50) – 489 ($10) per night
See, as cheap as PHP 226 you can have a comfy room & bed to relax after a day of exploring, this is only in Cebu!
During our travel, we actually used Agoda and we could tell that we saved a bunch of money for our accommodation. We tried RedDoorz Lahug and we could say that the place is nice and convenient to nearby stores & restaurants.
Mid- Range Hotels:
| – Bay Front Hotel Cebu – Cebu R Hotel – Cebu Parklane International – The Orchard Cebu Hotel – Copenhagen East Residences – Ace Penzionne |
| – Crown Regency Hotel – Dulcinea Hotel & Suites – Alpha City Suites Hotel – Park Hill Hotel Mactan – Eloisa Royal Suites – Diamond Suites & Residences |
*Average Price Range: PHP 1,500 ($30) – 4,500 ($90) per night
Luxury Hotels:
| – Waterfront Airport Hotel – Crimson Resort & Spa – Cebu Westown Lagoon – Marco Polo Plaza Cebu – Bai Hotel – Pearly of Santa Fe |
| – JPark Island Resort – Badian Island Wellness Resort – Blanco Beach Resort – Shangri-La Mactan Resort – Seda Ayala Center Cebu – Solea Palm Resort Mactan |
*Average Price Range: PHP 5,000 ($100) – 21,000 ($420) per night
Luxury Hotels in Cebu offer exceptional service, facilities, comfort & of course free snacks & breakfast.
If I would have a long vacation in Cebu, I would definitely try one from the above list – as I’d like to feel the elite ambiance and comfort, I’m just kidding. Honestly, sometimes, it’s a good experience to try something out of our budget or comfort zone. Besides, we only live once… Maybe I would try the hotel’s Swedish or Jiu Jitsu therapy massage or their pool at the top of everything which is pretty amazing.
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TOP CEBU TOURIST SPOTS
It’s known to many that there’s a lot of cool places to visit in Cebu and as much as we’d like to list all of it, we selected the top tourist spots situated in Cebu City and the South for 2 days itenirary.
- Taoist Temple
- Temple of Leah
- Sirao Garden
- Tops Lookout
- 10,000 Roses
- Kawasan Falls
- Osmena Peak
- Casino Peak
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1. TAOIST TEMPLE
Located in Beverly Hills Subdivision in Cebu City, Taoist Temple is built by Chinese Community in 1972 for the sole purpose of their religion which is Taoism.
ENTRANCE FEE. One good thing about the place is that the Entrance Fee is Free and is open for both worshipers and non-worshipers. Also note that the temple is operates from 8 AM to 5 PM.
DIRECTION. Going at Taoist Temple is as easy as counting 1-2-3. Since our our hotel is in Lahug, we just took a taxi which cost us PHP 96 ($2) to get to the temple. The travel time is only 10 minutes.
If you are near in Cebu IT Park, you could also take a Taxi, the fare would be around PHP 120 – 160 OR you could take a Jeepney with a route code 04L. Just tell the driver to drop you off at the street that leads to Taoist Temple.
On the other hand, if you are in Mactan Airport, you may ride My Bus going to SM Cebu (Fare: PHP 40) then ride a jeep (Fare: PHP 9) with a route code 04L. The Travel time is 40 minutes to 1 Hour.
TRAVEL REVIEW. The Taoist Temple is totally a must place to visit as once you get in here you will see a peaceful environment and the overview of Cebu City.
At the entrance of the temple, you will feel like you are in China as it replicates the notable Great Wall. Also, you will be welcomed by the Giant Dragon which symbolizes wisdom, power & strength.
The structures of the temple is also pretty impressive, to me it’s like a palace where a king and queen is living with a great magnitude of respect and wisdom.
Also if I may, I would love to do my yoga in this temple – as it is so quiet and could totally bring pure nostalgia.
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2. TEMPLE OF LEAH
Another great Masterpiece is the Temple of Leah which built by Teodorico Soriano Adarna as a symbol for his undying love to wife – Leah Albino-Adarna.
A Statue Expressing a Man’s Love for his Wife
ENTRANCE FEE. The place would cost you for PHP 50 ($1) per person with a great return of magnificent views of Cebu and structures like in Greece. Temple of Leah operates from 6 AM to 11 PM.
DIRECTION. From Taoist Temple, just ride a Habal -Habal (Motocycle) for only PHP 75 ($1.50) per person going to the said place. Travel time is around 10 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, if you prefer to Rent a car or taxi going to the Temple the cost is cost around PHP 1000 to 3000 ($20 -$60). This is quite expensive but we have to know that Temple of Leah is located on a hill and getting there is pretty tough.
We suggest you to rent a taxi if you are a group of 4 persons, so that at least the cost of you getting there would be divided.
Nevertheless, If you desire to check most tourist spots in Cebu City, we highly recommend for you to take an agency or a group tour to save more and for convenience.
TRAVEL REVIEW. You might totally feel like a Goddess or God of Greece when you are at the Temple of Leah as the place has an amazing structure inspired by Greek Doric style and Roman architecture.
At the entrance, you will imbibe the Parthenon walls with granite floors and marble fountain at the center.
Inside, feel the serenity and a man’s extravagant expression of his love to his wife. This place is so romantic and fascinating.
Personally, I admire the Grecian statues at the temple specifically women that are nakedly sculpted and painted in white. Every time, I see those art, it makes me remember Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love & Beauty.
No wonder Temple of Leah is one of the famous Cebu Tourist Spots as you’ll definitely enjoy this place with your Family and loved ones.
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3. SIRAO GARDEN
With its beautiful flowers and a little Amsterdam feels, Sirao Garden is truly a perfect place for selfies and relaxation.
ENTRANCE FEE. With your PHP 100 ($2), be ready to enjoy the Sirao Garden’s instagrammable’s spots and infinity pool at the top of the hill. The place is open from 6 AM to 7 PM.
DIRECTION. From Temple of Leah, you could ride a Habal Habal to get at the garden for only PHP 75 ($1.50) per person. Note that there is no jeepney going at the place as it is situated at the top of the hill.
Another option for transportation is by renting a car or Taxi. Depending on your agreement with the Taxi or car owner, expect to pay an average of PHP 2000 to 5000 ($40 -$100) per day for any car service that will take you around Cebu City.
TRAVEL REVIEW. I strongly agree that Sirao Garden is one of the most picturesque tourist spots in Cebu that anyone should visit. It is full of life and very earthly.
You will be astonished to see the wild and cute flowers covering the place with small dutch cabin or small houses that add up to the eccentric beauty and captivating art of the garden.
Aside from the flowers, the pool at the top of the hill also makes the place more attractive and unique.
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4. TOPS LOOKOUT
As one of the most sought-after restaurants in Cebu, Tops Lookout is not only a place to eat out but also a tourist destination that one should visit.
ENTRANCE FEE. With PHP 100 ($2) per person, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful view of Tops Look Out and order some of the finest and delicious dishes perfect for your appetite. We also note that they are open 24 hours so anytime you want to go there, you’ll surely welcome to explore the place.
DIRECTION. From Sirao Garden, you could take the Habal Habal (Fare: PHP 75 per person) or Taxi (Fare: 500) to get at the Tops Look Out.
As mentioned above, you could also rent a car or cab for the whole day with a price based on agreement between you and the driver. The amount varies but would average to PHP 2000 to 5000 ($40 -$100) per day.
TRAVEL REVIEW. As the Temple of Leah would make you feel like a goddess and at Sirao has this Amsterdam inspired garden, Tops Lookout I would say offers a “you” state of mind.
The artistic fortress at Tops Lookout
I said it because the place has spectacular view of the city which would make you think deeply about life, reminisce things, tell stories, meditate, relax or just be yourself.
The place is perfect to chill out at night or during sunset with someone important in your life.
Absolutely, I’d recommend this place for couples, families or friends as a tranquil retreat.
5. 10,000 ROSES
Before your day one tour ends, you might wanna check out this most talked about and very famous cafe and Cebu Tourist Spots at Cordova.
We created a different post for this place so for more details, please check out our article – 10,000 ROSES CAFÉ – The Most Picturesque Tourist Spot in Cebu.
The Beautiful 10000 Roses Cafe in Cebu
6. KAWASAN FALLS
Should you are expecting an adventure for your next day after the Cebu City Day Tour, this place in Badian South Cebu is the perfect getaway for you!
With activities such as swimming, picnic, canyoneering and water rafting with a turquoise water, Kawasan Falls became the most visited place in Cebu for both local and foreign travelers.
ENTRANCE FEE. For Filipinos, the fee to enter Kawasan is only PHP 20 ($.40) and for Foreigners it’s PHP 45 ($.90) which is also affordable. The place is open 24 hours, so in case you wanted to try all their activities, you don’t need to rush as you have flexible time do it.
DIRECTION. From Cebu City, you could take a Grab, Taxi or rent a car to go to Kawasan but expect to pay a bit pricey round trip fare for around PHP 3000 – 6000 ($60 – $120). Travel time is 1 1/2 hr to 2 hours.
We could say that this is a good option for a group of travelers but for solo backpacker, we recommend the second option which is by taking a bus.
From Cebu City, take a jeep (Fare: PHP 9) with a routing number 02B or 01K which would take you at Elizabeth Mall. And from the E-Mall, walk a little to get at the Bus Station. You may take an Ordinary or Ceres Bus.
Based on our experience, we actually prefer the Ordinary (Fare: PHP 150) instead of the Ceres Bus (PHP 185). As the Ordinary Bus will more likely give you the chance to see the nature views going to Badian and to breathe fresh air from some plants & coconut trees.
But if you want to have an air-conditioning bus, we highly recommend the Ceres bus.
TRAVEL REVIEW. It’s such a good experience that from the entrance at Kawasan falls you will immediately see the lush forest and hear the relaxing sound of flowing water.
At the center, you will be excited to swim on the turquoise waterfalls and be amazed with the rock formation that adds up to the beauty of the place.
There are three levels of the waterfalls and every level has a unique feature to offer. But for me the first level is enough as I really enjoy the temperature of the water, it’s actually a bit cold but manageable haha.
I also like the idea of having food stalls and hotels near at Kawasan Falls as when you get hungry you have food to choose from and since it’s 24 hours open, you could stay overnight or for a couple of days.
7. OSMENA PEAK
Should you are looking for a 360-degree views of Cebu Island and an amazing sunrise hike for about 20-25 minutes, we could say that Osmena Peak has all of these just for you!
ENTRANCE FEE. With an affordable amount of PHP 30 ($.60) per person, one can do the hike at the Osmena Peak. The place is open during day & night time. And the best time to be in there is between 2 to 5 PM.
DIRECTION. Note that you could do a day tour for Kawasan, Osmena & Casino Peak as these places are just 30 minutes away from each other. Day tour from an agency of the said tourist spots usually cost PHP 1500 ($30)
But if you are already in Kawasan and you are doing a DIY tour, you could just rent a Habal Habal worth PHP 300 to 500 ($6-10) to get to Mantalongon – Lugsangan Rd., Badian where Osmena Peak is situated.
Third option is also by renting a car or taxi. If for example you are in Cebu City, you just need to pay PHP 5,000 to 10,000 ($100 -200) per day for a car and you could use it to travel around Cebu.
TRAVEL REVIEW. Osmena Peak is the highest point in Cebu and so getting at it’s peak will allow you see everything around the place.
You will experience an incredible view of the land curves and it’s green grass and the crystal blue water of Cebu Island.
Osmena Peak is certainly the best viewpoint in Cebu and deserves to be one of the famous Cebu Tourist Spots!
8. CASINO PEAK
Just 9 minutes away from Osmena Peak, one could reach another beautiful and very famous chocolate hill in Cebu.
As mentioned by many travelers, this is one of their favorite trekking & Cebu Tourist Spots as going at the peak will only take 15 minutes of their time. The trail is also not that hard but the view is so fascinating and will really captivate your heart.
ENTRANCE FEE. The same as Osmena Peak, you just need to pay PHP 30 ($.60) per person.
Some maybe are asking, why they need to pay any entrance fee for a tourist spot like Casino Peak. Well, we have to understand that this represents as an environmental fee to maintain the beauty of the place and the fee accumulated is also use to support the people taking care of the said attraction and for the improvement as well of the place.
There are lot of places that Cebu can offer and in just one article, we’d like to give you at least a snippet of what you could expect from this well-known & spectacular city.
We hope that you will enjoy your travel in Cebu as we really had an amazing time on it especially at Kawasan Falls and 10,000 Roses.
All in All, the places that we visited are amusing and truly gave us memorable experiences that we always cherish and serve as our inspiration.
